If you are going to look at a surrogacy program with ilaya why not enjoy the city of Kiev while you are at it! So your trip to Kiev is already booked, your suitcases are packed, but perhaps you are wondering exactly what to expect from your first visit to Kiev and what are you going to do there in your free time?
Below we’ve provided a brief mini-guide, ideal for a weekend trip to the capital:
- Kiev Hop-on Hop-off Tour.
If you have limited time but you would still like to see the city, the Kiev Hop-on Hop-off Tour bus tour is the best choice. You can buy a 24–Hour Ticket here. The bus runs every day with tickets available for around 15 euros. This Kiev touristic bus has only one single route but passes through all the hidden gems of this wonderful city. To enjoy the full tour, hop-on at the Khreschatyk Main Street (Stop 1). However, you can also join the tour at any of the tour stops along the route. At the ‘end’ of the tour, the bus will return to the first departure point, to the capital’s main square.
- Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
Kiev Pechersk Lavra is one of the most sacred places in the Orthodox world. It was founded in the 11th century and now this UNESCO-listed Historical and Cultural Reserve is one of the highlights of the Ukrainian capital. The gorgeous Cathedral, panoramic views of Kiev, Great Lavra Belltower and especially the Kiev Pechersk Lavra caves— a system of underground caves once home to hermit monks will both surprise and amaze you.
- National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War
Crossing the river on your way from the airport you will have seen a huge monument of the Mother of Ukraine which stands tall overlooking the Dnieper river and can be seen for miles. This monument is called “The Motherland Monument”, built of stainless steel and 102m in height, presides over the right side of the river and is part of the Museum of the Great Patriotic War. Anyone interested in history, war or military vehicles must visit this museum. It is really very impressive and comprises of both indoor and outdoor exhibitions and recently added a section about the war in Eastern Ukraine. Private or groups tours with knowledgeable guides in English are available.
- Andriyivskyy Descent and Podil
This place used to be called “Montmartre of Kiev”. It’s the area where Kiev’s artists used to live and places like Mikhail Bulgakov’s house are located here. Here where you can take a cup of coffee in one of the numerous cafes and enjoy beautiful views of the city and of Saint Andrew’s Church, or speak with Kiev’s artists, who used to come here to discuss their projects and debate about all things artistic. This area is very quiet and atmospheric.
- Maidan Nezalezhnosti and Khreshchatyk street
The main square of Kiev called Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence square) is a “must -visit” on your trip. Here is where all the main events of the city take place. It’s located in the heart of the city centre and surrounded by very typical buildings from Soviet Union Era, thus it’s a great example of Soviet architecture. If you get to the view platform next to the “Hotel Ukraine” you can observe an amazing panoramic view of the entire square.
Of course, there are many more interesting things to see and do whilst in Kiev. It’s a real hidden gem of Eastern Europe, with its rich history, cuisine and traditions so be sure to prepare your trip well before heading off!
